Extras

Andy Hevesi’s first investigation as chair of the Assembly’s Oversight, Analysis and Investigation Committee is into a little-known, but influential, downstate entity: The Metropolitan Transportation Council.

Rep. Charlie Rangel isn’t thrilled with the idea his district must be pushed north so his seat can remain “black,” saying: “I’ll be damned if I want the district to go to Mt. Vernon. Hell, Canada sounds just as likely.”

As a “birthday present” then-Gov. Nelson Rockefeller let Rangel draw his own district lines – literally, with a grease pencil – prior to the 1970 elections. (H/T Bill Hammond).

Republican Assembly candidate Richard Wager is likely to run in two different districts within less than six months.

Another redistricting-related GOP primary is brewing between Assemblyman Dan Burling and two-time state Senate hopeful/former East Aurora Mayor David J. DiPietro.

Rep. Carolyn McCarthy seeks to stave off retirement rumors with a strong fourth quarter take of more than $200,000. She has $636,210 on hand.

Retiring Rep. Maurice Hinchey has $83,714 on hand in his campaign account.

Ex-Sen. Vincent Leibell is doing time on federal corruption charges, yet someone – him? – is using his campaign cash to pay $480 worth of cellphone bills. (H/T Gannett for catching that one).

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand on why she hasn’t won over more New Yorkers: “It takes time. I’ve only been their senator for three years and we have 20 million people in our state…people will get to know me over time.”